Concern Foundation’s Record Breaking Block Party
As Los Angeles continues to cool down from the heatwave that ravaged our city this past week, we’d like to be reminded of some fun activities that we were able to experience this summer. Happily, we love to highlight events that double as philanthropic, especially if there are food and drinks involved. We are, of course, talking about Concern Foundation’s Block Party!
We are no stranger to the Concern Foundation and its Annual Block Party usually held at the Paramount Studios Backlot so you know we were more than excited to learn they were back to hosting it in person after the pandemic lockdowns. We were also happy to find out that the foundation raised over $2 million this year alone. From our understanding, this is the FIRST TIME the foundation was able to hit this goal, and what better way to return from lockdowns than by breaking records? To date, the foundation has raised over $72 Million in salary support for over 1000 gifted cancer scientists studying cancer.
The event not also hosted live entertainment, casino-style games, live and silent auctions, and food, desserts, and beverages from over 60 of Los Angeles’ best restaurants and caterers but also honored entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and community leaders Janet Crown and Steve Robinson with the first ever Larry Powell Spirit of Concern Award named after one of the founders of the organization.
Derek Alpert, president of Concern Foundation stated: “The incredible outpouring of friendship, togetherness, love, and support from our donors, sponsors, and vendors after a 2-year absence from being able to be “Back On The Block” in-person event, made the 47th Annual Block Party fundraiser a truly magical evening. Surrounded by tremendous food, entertainment, and the sheer joy of being back on the Paramount Studios back lot gave our over 3,000 guests and 60-plus vendors an opportunity to celebrate together once again in a safe environment with one focus in mind, to raise funds to support cancer research to conquer this insidious disease that will touch all of our lives”.
So who were some of our favorite stops for food? Well, check our list below. If you have been to any of these restaurants, let us know which you prefer:
- Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz,
- Nobu
- O.C,
- The Grill on the Alley,
- STK,
- Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs,
- H&H Brazilian Steakhouse,
- Fogo De Chao (third steakhouse location on this list)
- Conservatory West Hollywood,
- Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
These were just some, from our sources, the whole list of restaurants included: Factor’s Famous Deli, Bar Hayama & the California Sushi Academy, Beyond Meat, The Drago Group, Porta Via, La Boheme West Hollywood, Nuda Tequila, 1212 Santa Monica, Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, H&H Brazilian Steakhouse, Conservatory West Hollywood, Bertha’s Mae’s Brownie Co., Milagro Tequila, Bé Ù, Little Llama Peruvian Tacos, Deutsch Family, Brontë Bakes, Brewery X, Weaver’s Coffee and Tea, Tequila Cabal LLC, Suja Juice, Buzz Box & Bar, Café Dulce, Casablanca Restaurant & Catering, Chef Reina, Co-Opportunity Market, Dazzling Donuts, DeLuscious Cookies & Milk, Dulan’s Soul Food, Dulce Vida Tequila, Emporium Thai, Farm Fresh to You, Fresh Brothers, Gourmandise School, Halyard Brewing, Hotville Chicken, Humboldt Distellery, Just Jans, Miracle Noodle, Mykie’s Coffee Bakery & Catering, Pasquini Espresso Co., Robeks Juice, SITK. Catering, SLAB, and more.
We hope to see you there next year! For more information about the 2022 Block Party and the Concern Foundation, please visit www.concernfoundation.org.
By: Tanya Nazarian